While many retailers attempted to jump-start the 2011 holiday shopping season by offering pre-Black Friday online deals, Cyber Monday was still the busiest online shopping day so far. Jon Abt, co-president of Abt Electronics, reports a 21 percent e-commerce sales increase on Nov. 28.

"Online shopping is easier than visiting brick-and-mortar retailers and offers perks such as free shipping, live customer support and expanded inventories," Jon Abt said. "Cyber Monday remains king but it's obvious that more consumers were taking advantage of online deals earlier this holiday season."

The increase in online spending before and on Black Friday raises questions about consumer shopping habits in the future. Will shoppers go online rather than lining up outside big box stores? Wherever customers opt to buy, one thing that remains constant in consumer electronics and appliances is the desire for excellent customer service.

This past weekend, Abt Electronics' online live-chat with trained sales and customer service associates was also up 27 percent compared to 2010. To provide enhanced customer service throughout the holidays, Abt Electronics now offers 24-hour customer service, Monday through Friday. The ability to offer customer service and expert advice online offers e-commerce shoppers many of the same amenities as in-store shopping.

Abt Electronics experienced a 20 percent increase in in-store visitors this past weekend, yielding a 13 percent sales increase from the same time period in 2010.

About Abt Electronics
Abt Electronics, founded in 1936, is one of the largest independent, single-store appliance and electronics retailers in the country. The third-generation family run Abt Electronics provides unparalleled customer service with its team of 1,100 expert staff members at its Glenview, Ill.-based store, which boasts a 45,000 square-foot showroom on 37 acres. Abt services customers nationwide through Abt.com, where customers can receive advice and customer support through the site's live chat feature. Abt has its own 12,000 square-foot recycling center and features a 20,000 square-foot atrium where customers gain access to its boutique stores-within-a-store such as Apple. For more information, visit Abt.com.